Donna is responsible for the inpatient and outpatient operations of Patient Services and for support of other system entities, including post-acute and physician services. She acts as a consultant to all nurses throughout the system to ensure consistent standards of patient care, and serves as a role model for patient and staff advocacy.

Leadership ResponsibilitiesDonna actively participates with other Lee Memorial Health System leaders and the medical staff in designing and providing patient care and services. She gives direction to the nursing staff to promote quality patient care and nursing services on a continuous basis. She develops and implements policies, standards and programs that support the clinical practice of nursing and the effective nursing care delivery systems throughout the system.

Additionally, Donna helps develop an effective recruitment and retention program; makes certain nursing is in compliance with all regulations governing health care delivery; ensures the continuing education and development of the nursing staff; and participates in the evaluation, selection and integrity assessment of health care technology and information systems that support patient care needs and the efficient use of resources.

Professional ExperienceDonna has been with the health system for 37 years. She began her nursing career in the Intensive Care Unit at Lawrence General Hospital in Lawrence, Mass. She then took a position as a critical care nurse in open heart at Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, New York. Later, she joined Community Hospital in Syracuse as manager of the post anesthesia recovery unit (PACU).

In 1977, Donna relocated to Cape Coral and accepted the position of PACU manager at Cape Coral Hospital. Two years later, she became chief nurse. When the hospital and Lee Memorial Health System joined forces in 1996, she was named its vice president of Patient Care. In 2000, she was named chief patient care officer for the system.

EducationDonna holds a Master's degree in Business Administration from Nova University. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from State University of New York. She earned a Nursing Diploma from Lawrence General Hospital in Massachusetts.

Memberships/Community
InvolvementDonna is a member of the American Organization of Nurse Executives; Florida Organization of Nurse Executives; Florida Gulf Coast University Honor Society; Past chair of the Cape Coral Council for Progress; Past board member of the Cape Coral Community Foundation, VHA, Inc. Nursing Executive Council; board member of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology.